Ask Tom why: Do the mountains of Hawaii support snow accumulation?

February 11, 2011

Dear Tom,

Do the mountains of Hawaii support snow accumulation?

—Paul Iwema

Dear Paul,

Hawaii, the nation's southernmost state, receives snowfall on occasion, but only at the state's most lofty elevations. The National Weather Service in Honolulu says major winter storms can deposit a foot or more of snow on Haleakala (elevation 10,023 feet), Mauna Loa (13,679 feet) and Mauna Kea (13,796 feet).

Mauna Kea means "White Mountain" in Hawaiian and is skiable several times each winter. Skiing is best immediately after a storm passes because the strong sunshine quickly melts the snow. The mountain top temperatures are never frigid, ranging from the 20s in winter to the 50s in summer, but strong winds as high as 100 mph create dangerous wind chills making it feel much colder.